Eight years after he last donned the Maroons jersey, Wendell Sailor is on track for a stirring Origin comeback despite missing out on Queensland's preliminary 25-strong squad on Tuesday.

Queensland chairman of selectors Des Morris said a week off with a hamstring injury had worked against Sailor when they sat down to nut out an initial squad.

But he lay down the challenge for the 34-year-old to resume his surprise NRL heroics after the dual international was recalled by the Dragons for Sunday's clash with the Warriors.

"He was certainly considered and we talked about it," Morris told AAP.

"He's always been a competitor. And he loves the big stage. (But) he has been out injured.

"He didn't make the first squad but if he puts in a strong performance he can certainly force his way into the top 17.

"Those who aren't in the squad can now knuckle down and try and get in it and those who are in have to work hard to stay there."

Morris also defended the selection of Steve Michaels in the squad barely 24 hours after there were calls for the Broncos flyer to be stood down from the NRL for attracting police attention at Byron Bay with Brisbane teammate Nick Kenny.

Michaels was one of four players yet to make their Origin debut included in the preliminary squad.

The others are Manly's Matt Ballin, Canberra forward David Shillington and Melbourne halfback Cooper Cronk.

"I think common sense has to prevail," Morris said of Michaels.

Besides Sailor, other notable squad absentees included Cowboys duo Matt Bowen and Carl Webb.

There were only two North Queensland players included - halfback Johnathan Thurston and Willie Tonga.

"It's an indication that those guys (Webb, Bowen) have to do a bit more work to get into the squad," Morris said.

Sailor played the last of his 14 Origin matches in 2001 but momentum has been building for the in-form Dragons winger following his remarkable resurgence under coach and good mate Wayne Bennett.

But Sailor clearly faces stiff opposition for an Origin wing berth, with teammate Darius Boyd looming as his biggest obstacle.

"Darius Boyd is obviously in fine form again after doing a good job last year," Morris said.

Another Dragons player on the comeback trail - Neville Costigan - reckoned Sailor would be "the life of the team" if given a Maroons nod.

Costigan was named in the Maroons squad on Tuesday, a shot in the arm for the Dragons enforcer after playing the last of his two Origins in 2007.

"He's just one of those blokes you need in the team," the PNG international told AAP.

"He'd be the life of the team. If you are down he lifts you up but he knows when to get serious - I just love playing alongside him."

Costigan tipped Sailor to bounce back from his squad snub and nail down an Origin spot.

"He is playing out of his skin at the moment. And it is pretty hard to dampen his enthusiasm."

Costigan said he was "pretty surprised, a little bit overwhelmed" about his squad selection.

But he said he would relish taking on a "hitman" role with Michael Crocker not available.

"I would go out and do what I do best," he said.

"When I tackle I am pretty aggressive. If they think of me for a hitman role I don't mind."

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